Program Overview

Commercial Aviation Degree

The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (B.S. Aero) with a major in Commercial Aviation. This program is designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and essential experience to launch their careers in the aviation industry.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 4-5 years
• Credit hours: 120

Admission Criteria

• Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
  • Opens: August 1, 2026
  • Closes: October 31, 2026
• Required GPA: 3.25 minimum unweighted (HS) | 2.60 college (Transfers)
• Additional Requirements:
  • An official high school transcript and senior course schedule are required to complete the application.
  • Applicants must apply via the UND application.

Program Overview

The Commercial Aviation program at the University of North Dakota is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). The program allows students to earn a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and a certified flight instructor certificate with instrument rating. Students will train with a state-of-the-art virtual controller simulator and radar simulators.

Tracks

Airplane Track

The airplane track focuses on developing future pilots for the airline, cargo, and corporate flying industries. Students will receive a well-rounded education on the aerospace industry beyond the technical skills gained in the state-of-the-art fleet and training devices.

Helicopter Track

The helicopter track is unique to rotorcraft, and students may satisfy all flight course requirements for any of the majors offered by the aerospace college using helicopters. Students will earn their private pilot rotorcraft, commercial, instrument, and certified flight instructor certificates in the high-performance Robinson R44 Cadet.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the UND aviation programs have plenty of career opportunities, especially as career commercial pilots and related professions. UND graduates with a B.S. in Commercial Aviation can expect exciting opportunities in several piloting professions, including:

• Commercial Airline Pilot
• Cargo Pilot
• Helicopter Pilot
• Corporate Jet Pilot
• Flight Instructor

Courses

Some of the courses offered in the Commercial Aviation program include:

• Aviation Safety (AVIT 208)
• Human Factors (AVIT 250)
• Gas Turbine Engines (AVIT 327)
• Aviation Meteorology (ATSC 231)
• Aircraft Systems (AVIT 324)
• Aviation Law (AVIT 403)

Accreditation

The University of North Dakota's Commercial Aviation program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).